Shevchenko puts Roma to the sword
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Shevchencko celebrates scoring against Serie A leaders Roma
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ROME, Italy -- Two-goal Andriy Shevchenko sent Serie A leaders Roma crashing to their first defeat of the season, boosting AC Milan's title ambitions in a 2-1 triumph on Tuesday.
Ukrainian striker Shevchenko scored with clinical finishes either side of Antonio Cassano's equalizer to throw the title race wide open.
Victory lifted Milan into second place above defending champions Juventus on goal difference -- and they also have a game in hand on the leaders.
It was Milan's first triumph over Roma in Serie A in the Olympic Stadium since September 1995.
Injuries deprived Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti of several key players including Italy internationals Alessandro Nesta and Filippo Inzaghi.
Veteran Alessandro Costacurta came in for Nesta and played alongside Milan captain Paolo Maldini in the center of defence, while Shevchenko played alone in attack in front of a five-man midfield.
Ancelotti's opposite number Fabio Capello had fewer problems with striker Vincenzo Montella the only absentee due to a lack of match fitness having just recovered from injury.
Roma began positively but failed to capitalize on two early openings with captain Francesco Totti and Brazilian midfielder Emerson both firing straight into the arms of Milan goalkeeper Dida from inside the box.
But after a bright start, the home side retreated deeper into their own half, giving Milan plenty of room to push forward, with the technically-gifted Kaka always catching the eye.
And Roma paid the price for their cautious approach in the 24th minute when Milan took the lead.
Dutchman Clarence Seedorf tore down the left and picked out Shevchenko with a superb crossfield pass which the Ukrainian took on his chest before lifting the ball over Ivan Pelizzoli for his 13th league goal of the season.
In a near replica of the first goal, Shevchenko almost doubled his tally in the 38th minute, collecting Seedorf's through-ball before flashing a shot inches past the post.
Despite being outplayed for all but the first 10 minutes, Roma clawed their way back in first-half stoppage-time.
Totti's cross from the left to the far post was headed back across goal for Cassano, who side-footed home from an acute angle.
Capello brought on Marco Delvecchio and Vincent Candela in place of Francisco Lima and John Carew for the start of the second half to try and pin Milan back, but the visitors continued to dominate the midfield battle with Kaka and Seedorf in majestic form.
Roma fell behind for a second time in the 63rd minute, caught short at the back after a lightning break by Milan.
Rui Costa picked up the ball near the halfway line, and as Roma's defence backed off the Portuguese playmaker fed the unmarked Shevchenko whose angled drive found the bottom corner.
Cassano missed an easy header with the goal at his mercy as Roma pressed for an equalizer but Milan held firm in the closing stages for a deserved victory.
